Payer signs for Penguins

KREFELD ,GER- Krefeld Penguin’s of the German DEL league have announced the signing of Ontario born Serge Payer. The center joins the German side from AHL side Houston Aeros, where the 29 year old iced in 66 games registering 11 goals and 20 assists. The former Aero has signed a two-year contract, his first European contract of his career. The left handed shooter has seen action in the OHL with Kitchener Rangers where he spent five successful season’s. In 2000 Payer joined the Louisville Panthers in the AHL which led to 43 games in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. Further action in the AHL with San Antonio Rampage and Utah Grizzlies followed throughout 2001 to 2004

before a return to NHL action with the Panthers in 2005. Payer spent the whole 2005-06 season with the Panthers icing in 71 games scoring just two goals and four assits. After a poor season Payer returned to the AHL this time north in Binghamton with the Senators. Finding his level in the AHL, Payers numbers improved and despite thoughts of the NHL long gone Payer received a five game call up to the Ottawa Senators. Looking for a new challenge the six foot center received an unexpected offer following a trip to  North America by Penguin Director Jiri Ehrenberger. “I observed Serge on a recent trip to the U.S, which i must say left a good impression on me, I then telephoned Penguin chairman Wolf Gang Schulz back in Germany to take the matter further of the possibility of signing him for the new season,” Ehrenberger said After a number of calls back and forth from both camps a contract was agreed. Impressed with Payer off the ice it was the center’s game on the ice that really caught the eye of Ehrenberger. “What impressed me most about Serge was his ability to read the game, also his attitude which i can imagine will see him as one of the leaders in the team,” Ehrenberger said Payer joins up with the rest of the Penguin roster in late July. The Penguin’s open the 2008-09 season on the road to ERC Ingolstadt Panthers on September 5, 2008. Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com Photo courtesy of www.panthers.nhl.com